Dispersed camping opportunities near Mount Vernon, Oregon can be found throughout the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Malheur National Forest areas. The region sits at elevations between 2,800-8,000 feet, contributing to significant temperature variations where sites like Strawberry Campground can be cold even during summer months. Camping near Mount Vernon offers access to multiple ecosystems including ponderosa pine forests, alpine lakes, and river corridors within relatively short driving distances.
What to do
Explore Strawberry Lake trail: Located near Strawberry Campground, the trail offers hiking options for various skill levels. "Great place! A creek, bumpy gravel road might not work for sedan always, but worth a try. Tons of hiking, including a closer one to strawberry lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want," notes reviewer Ash C.
Observe wildlife at dawn and dusk: The John Day River corridor provides opportunities to see deer, beaver, and osprey. "Ponderosa forest, osprey hunting every evening and resident beavers," writes Martha M. about her stay at Magone Lake Campground.
Fishing at Magone Lake: Trout fishing is productive with proper timing. "We caught several trout every day and loved how quiet and peaceful the campsite was at night!" reports Halie M. after camping at Magone Lake with her dogs, making it a good option for pet friendly camping near Mount Vernon.
What campers like
Natural separation between sites: At Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, campers appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces. "The sites are huge and well spaced. Lots of trees and a nice trail system along the river," says Jill R. about what makes this park stand out.
Private creek access: Some campsites offer direct water access. "We picked a site next to the creek in the back and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time," describes Heather B. about her experience at Strawberry Campground.
Clean facilities with personal touches: Several campgrounds prioritize cleaner-than-average bathrooms. At Fish House Inn and RV Campground, "the bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and nice...they even include cloth hand and bath towels for you to use!" according to Gerard M.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires high-clearance vehicles. "When I was about 2 miles away from Strawberry Campground, I turned around. I just didn't trust my Mazda 3 to make it without bottoming out or getting a flat tire," warns Mary G.
Highway noise affects site selection: Sites closer to major roads experience traffic noise. "This really is an RV spot. Yes, you can tent camp here but it's expensive ($24 for Oregon residents, $34 for out of staters) and it's right next to the road. It's loud. Really loud. Wake you up when you're sleeping loud," cautions Quinn Z. about Grant County RV Park.
Temperature fluctuations: Evening temperatures drop significantly, even in summer. "We didn't realize it was still so chilly at the end of May and were thankful for our extra layers and warmer sleeping bags we packed just in case," mentions Heather B. regarding Strawberry Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with activity options: Campgrounds with multiple recreation choices work best with children. "The Magone Lake campground was great! It is a nice sized lake and campground but not overwhelming or too busy. We stayed at the group site which had its own private loop and lots of space if you have kids, dogs, etc.," recommends Drea G.
Pack extra entertainment: During quieter periods, bring activities for children. "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games. Since the campground wasn't busy, there weren't other kiddos for him to play with so we needed some fun stuff to do between hikes and outings," advises Heather B.
Consider safety near water features: Some campsites have steep dropoffs near creeks. "There's a steep drop off next to some sites that goes right into the creek. Keep an eye on kiddos or pick a site farther away from the creek if you're worried about that," notes Heather B. about Wickiup Campground where a "nice creek runs through the campground."
Tips from RVers
Check length limitations: Many sites have specific size constraints. "Easy back in and lovely grassy area. Full hook ups allowed us to 'refresh'!" mentions Kelly H. about Fish House Inn and RV Campground, which accommodates most standard-sized RVs.
Consider road conditions for larger rigs: Forest roads present challenges for bigger vehicles. "Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed," notes Chris B. about accessing the more remote sites at Strawberry Campground.
Balance hookups vs. noise: Sites with full hookups often trade nature immersion for convenience. "Sites 1-6 are pretty close to the main road, but tidy little sites, a pit toilet. no running water. But the region is beautiful, the campground is easy to find, close to the Strawberries," explains Kate W. about Starr Campground, highlighting the tradeoffs when selecting dog friendly camping near Mount Vernon.
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